Research Team

Pingyue Pan was initially trained as a physician in Shanghai, China, and later pursued a PhD degree in neurobiology in a joint program between NINDS and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She completed her postdoc training at Weill Cornell Medicine and became a research faculty at Icahn School of Mount Sinai before she joined Rutgers in 2018.

Nirmal is originally from India and earned his Ph.D. at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. His Ph.D. research examined how endolysosomes, iron, and reactive oxygen species interact and contribute to neuronal dysfunction and death. He is now investigating the role of the Parkinson’s disease gene PARK20 (Synaptojanin1/Synj1) in presynaptic dysfunction and neuronal degeneration. Leveraging his expertise in redox biology, he is also interested in exploring whether Synj1-mediated dopaminergic dysfunctions are associated with oxidative distress and reductive stress. Nirmal is an active member of various scientific societies, including the Society for Redox Biology and Medicine (SfRBM), where he serves as the Trainee Council Chair. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing chess, spending time with friends, and exploring Jersey City.

Kritika received her master’s degree of Science in Biotechnology in India. She worked as a research assistant at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center for a year and joined Rutgers in 2016. Kritika’s main role is in managing mouse colonies and in facilitating laboratory performance. Her long-term goal is to advance the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and contribute to the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Outside the laboratory, Kritika enjoys painting and exploring nature, which inspire her creativity and curiosity.

Manav is a master’s student researching the cell autonomous mechanisms in PD motor symptoms. He conducts in vivo research in the lab. Outside the lab, Manav plays multiple musical instruments.

Eden is an undergraduate researcher completing his degree in Cell Biology/Neuroscience. His work in the lab comprises various behavioral analyses, immunohistochemistry, and other in vivo techniques. His academic interests center on the clinical applications of neurobiology, and his drive for research stems from a passion for discovering something new and unknown to the scientific world. Outside of the lab, he enjoys sports, video games, and listening to music.

Vanessa is a undergraduate researcher and a cell biologist by training. She collaborates with Nirmal on investigating biocondensates at the presynaptic terminal and their regulation. Her goal is to pursue a PhD.